The risk of malignancy associated with the use of biological agents in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2014 Sep;43(3):525-41. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2014.05.010. Epub 2014 Jun 13.

Abstract

In this review, the available data regarding the risk of lymphoma, skin cancers, and other malignancies associated with biological agents that are approved and those under investigation for use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are highlighted. How providers may approach the use of these agents in various clinical scenarios is discussed. This review may help providers better understand the true risk of malignancy associated with these agents, thereby leading to an enhanced communication process with patients with IBD when therapeutic decisions are being made.

Keywords: Biologics; Inflammatory bowel disease; Lymphoma; Malignancy; Skin cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Products / adverse effects
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / chemically induced*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / chemically induced*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Integrins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / chemically induced*
  • Melanoma / chemically induced*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Integrins
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha